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Here is an overview of the DNA Banking Process. This information can also be found in the DNA Banking Agreement on our
DNA Banking Forms page.

PreventionGenetics will send you a collection kit at no charge. You can call, fax, or e-mail to receive a kit. The kit will contain a blood or saliva collection tube, shipping containers, a copy of the DNA Banking Agreement and instructions for completing the collection. It also includes a prepaid return envelope for your convenience in returning the kit to PreventionGenetics.

The DNA Banking Agreement is also available at the PreventionGenetics web site. If necessary, you can request us to mail, email or fax a copy. You will need to sign a copy of the Agreement, include it with the kit, mail or fax to PreventionGenetics. Provide the name and address of a Representative who will be responsible for the DNA sample if you become incapacitated and/or after your death. A parent or legal guardian must sign for a child Depositor under the age of majority (age of majority is based on the law in the state of the child’s residence). An agent with the power of attorney or a guardian must sign for an adult Depositor who is incapable of providing consent.

Next, you must arrange for payment (see Billing Information). Current fees for DNA Banking are $169 for a single individual, $159 per person for 2-4 family members, and $149 per person for 5 or more family members. To receive the discounted prices, the family member’s samples need to be sent together, unless prior arrangements have been made. If a Depositor is also having clinical DNA testing performed at PreventionGenetics, the cost of DNA Banking is only $98. Please see the PreventionGenetics website for further information regarding this option. There are no additional fees, such as annual storage fees.

The Depositor will need to go to a local doctor’s office or to another qualified phlebotomist to have blood drawn. Five to ten milliliters of blood (approximately one to two teaspoons) will be drawn. PreventionGenetics is not liable for any complications that may arise from the blood draw. The phlebotomist may be able to ship the blood to the PreventionGenetics lab. You will likely be charged for the blood draw. This cost is your responsibility.

Saliva samples are also accepted for DNA Banking. However, families should note that a blood sample usually will have a higher DNA yield and better DNA quality. It is strongly recommended that a blood sample be used for DNA Banking.

From the blood or saliva samples, PreventionGenetics lab personnel will extract DNA, measure the DNA amount, and place the DNA into secure freezer systems. The DNA will be stored in at least two freezers at two separate locations. In the rare event that the extraction fails, PreventionGenetics will send you another collection kit and will repeat the extraction without any additional charge.

After the DNA has been banked, a copy of the ratified Banking Agreement will be sent to you, as well as your representative. The signed copy of the Agreement should be stored safely among your important papers. The Agreement will contain your Depositor Number which is crucial in making withdrawals.

Specimen Requirements

NOTE: All samples must be sent with patient's NAME & Date of Birth on the specimen container.